The Lonelies
The Lonelies EP
Independent

by Bonny Holder

This self-titled EP (six songs) by a Dallas-area band is a real treat.

For the most part, on this CD, The Lonelies are only two guys, Doug Burr and Dave Sims, who add other players for live gigs. Until I read that in the liner notes, I assumed that their band was much larger; they have a "big sound" for a couple of players & a couple overdubs. (Andy Melvin is credited for "lending his superior background vocals".)

One of the strengths of Americana music lies in the frequency of harmony tracks. Burr & Sims (both multi-instrumental) remind me of the harmonies of the BoDeans, but without the high-pitched voice of Sammy Lianos. In fact ­ comparisons are inevitable when reviewing first CD projects ­ Doug Burr's voice has a pleasant, clear, Slaid Cleaves-ish tone to it.

There are six tracks on this CD, all originals. Lost love is the theme of "Carolina", where the singer has lost his woman to drugs:

Yeah, my father, he's getting older
I feel it gettin' colder
Snow instead of rain
Your Mama, hey Lord, she warned me
Not to succumb to wayward arms.
So if I go to Carolina,
Carrying your picture in a pill bottle of perfume
Oh Angeline, don't try to fake it,
Lord knows I'm carrying more than what's left of you.

In "Big Top", the singer sings with affection of circus life:

Well, I swear that I heard that old fat lady singing,
And the circus is leaving town.
There's the big top breaking down, clowns still got their frowns,
They turn 'em upside down.
We work without nets, and we don't hit the ground

Another town, another road and another bright horizon.
This ain't the greatest show on earth, but we sure could keep you smilin'.
I promise you that these stunts were never just a trick
And I swear to everybody, you're my favorite audience.

Dave Sims' mandolin dances around the words on all these songs like splashing water, and he also contributes just the right touches of lap steel guitar.

In "Curse of the Weatherman", Doug Burr shows a wry side:

So I'll set my watch to never, and pray it won't appear
Like we're springin' forward, and fallin back this year
And I curse the weatherman, though I don't like politicians
At least when they're smilin', they're not showin' true conditions.

The Lonelies EP is a good addition to anyone's Americana collection. I expect to hear more from them in the future. They're nice guys and you can hear it.

Contact the band at www.thelonelies.com



You can contact Bonny Holder at bonny-at-rockzilla.net

 
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